We consider the following text:
"8 Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee amy servant for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;"
The beginning of this verse talks about the declaration of the Lord to the isles of the sea, which say that He has heard them (their prayers I assuming). He has helped them in the day they needed to be saved (from what exactly I'm not sure, could be literally saved from famine, drought, or their enemies or could be spiritual, like salvation to heaven). He makes a promise that he will preserve His people. I believe, as was with the case of the Nephites, that they were brought to the "isles of the sea," or the Americas in the case of the Nephites, to preserve them. What a glorious blessing.
Next, He promises that, in another manifestation of help and preservation, is the gift of His servant as a covenant with the people, to establish the earth and to, essentially, restore all the truths that were lost. In retrospect, the servant of the Lord that fits this descriptions was Joseph Smith. Through him, the truth of the gospel was restored. Through the Book of Mormon and missionary work, the descendants of the house of Israel on the isles of the sea are now receiving the gospel and are being helped and preserved just as the Lord promised their ancestors through Isaiah in his days. A few good scriptures about "my servant" come from that footnote: 2 Nephi 3:6-15, 3 Nephi 21:8-11, and Mormon 8:16, 25.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
1 Nephi 21:7
Here is the text which we will consider:
"7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nations abhorreth, to servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful."
Isaiah conveys the will of the Lord to whom men despise, trod on, whom the nations abhor, to the servant. He says that in a future time, kings shall see them and arise. The prices shall worship them, all because of the Lord who is faithful. He is committed to those who suffer the ridicule of men. When they are criticized so, they are in pain. Jesus paid the price for all the sins of the world in addition to all the pains, sufferings, and sorrows that people have felt, feel, and will feel, if they come unto Him. This is good to remember for the future.
"7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nations abhorreth, to servant of rulers: Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful."
Isaiah conveys the will of the Lord to whom men despise, trod on, whom the nations abhor, to the servant. He says that in a future time, kings shall see them and arise. The prices shall worship them, all because of the Lord who is faithful. He is committed to those who suffer the ridicule of men. When they are criticized so, they are in pain. Jesus paid the price for all the sins of the world in addition to all the pains, sufferings, and sorrows that people have felt, feel, and will feel, if they come unto Him. This is good to remember for the future.
Friday, June 26, 2009
1 Nephi 21:6
Here is the text we will consider for today:
"6 And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the atribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give thee for a blight to the cGentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth."
I wonder, yet again, if this verse is from the Lord to Isaiah, and that Isaiah is quoting to the people of the house of Israel the word of the Lord in a sermon. The Lord says that it is a "light thing" that Isaiah is His servant to raise the tribes of Jacob. At first I thought that this meant "light" as in "easy." However, surely it would not be easy. I heard once that Isaiah has written as he did in order to preserve himself. I believe that at one time he was in captivity and anyone writing the word of God would be punished. Isaiah wrote as he did so as to avoid punishment. It is said that he who has the Spirit would be able to understand his words.
As pertaining to the light thing, the next phrase sheds light on it. : ) Isaiah would also be a light unto the Gentiles, that he may be the means of helping save them, by testifying of Christ. We have institute classes on Isaiah. We study his words. Referring back to the post of yesterday, we can see that Isaiah is not only influential in preaching the word to the remnants of the tribes of Jacob, but unto the Gentiles, too. This is one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon, which contains many of Isaiah's words from the brass plates (and the Bible):
"Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile..."
Title Page of the Book of Mormon
"6 And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the atribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give thee for a blight to the cGentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth."
I wonder, yet again, if this verse is from the Lord to Isaiah, and that Isaiah is quoting to the people of the house of Israel the word of the Lord in a sermon. The Lord says that it is a "light thing" that Isaiah is His servant to raise the tribes of Jacob. At first I thought that this meant "light" as in "easy." However, surely it would not be easy. I heard once that Isaiah has written as he did in order to preserve himself. I believe that at one time he was in captivity and anyone writing the word of God would be punished. Isaiah wrote as he did so as to avoid punishment. It is said that he who has the Spirit would be able to understand his words.
As pertaining to the light thing, the next phrase sheds light on it. : ) Isaiah would also be a light unto the Gentiles, that he may be the means of helping save them, by testifying of Christ. We have institute classes on Isaiah. We study his words. Referring back to the post of yesterday, we can see that Isaiah is not only influential in preaching the word to the remnants of the tribes of Jacob, but unto the Gentiles, too. This is one of the purposes of the Book of Mormon, which contains many of Isaiah's words from the brass plates (and the Bible):
"Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile..."
Title Page of the Book of Mormon
Thursday, June 25, 2009
1 Nephi 21:5
The text for this entry:
"5 And now, saith the Lord—that aformed me from the womb that I should be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him—though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my bstrength."
Here is an instance where I believe that Isaiah is preaching. He says that he is one that has been called since the beginning of his mortal experience to be a servant of the Lord. He has mentioned this before, but here he is more specific. He says that he is called to bring Jacob again to Him. And he is doing this as he speaks. Even though the house of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, are not together for him to speak to, he says that he shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and that God shall be his strength.
A very neat thought hit me as I was typing the above paragraph. Isaiah was called to bring the Jacob's descendants back to the Lord. The Lord is his strength. It turns out that a part of Jacob's descendants are the people in the Book of Mormon and on the isles of the sea. Jesus Christ visited those people in the Book of Mormon and the isles of the sea. First, Nephi teaches the words of Isaiah to his people in 1 Nephi 19:23, 2 Nephi 6:4-5, and 2 Nephi chapters 12-24 (with others here and there). This is one way a remnant of the house of Israel received the teachings of Isaiah. These scriptures, I believe, were read by many people, because of the writings of some later prophets in the Small Plates. They said that they know of no other revelation save what has been written. Thus, their contributions were small.
Jesus taught that the people should search the words of Isaiah by commandment, for their worth is great (3 Nephi 23:1). A commandment for them, a branch of the house of Israel to read the words of Isaiah to help fulfill Isaiah's calling. Jesus even quotes to the Nephites Isaiah 54 (in 3 Nephi 22). Finally, in 3 Nephi 16:1, Jesus tell the Nephites that there are other sheep, who are also most likely of the house of Israel, that are not in Jerusalem that he must see and teach.
"5 And now, saith the Lord—that aformed me from the womb that I should be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him—though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my bstrength."
Here is an instance where I believe that Isaiah is preaching. He says that he is one that has been called since the beginning of his mortal experience to be a servant of the Lord. He has mentioned this before, but here he is more specific. He says that he is called to bring Jacob again to Him. And he is doing this as he speaks. Even though the house of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, are not together for him to speak to, he says that he shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and that God shall be his strength.
A very neat thought hit me as I was typing the above paragraph. Isaiah was called to bring the Jacob's descendants back to the Lord. The Lord is his strength. It turns out that a part of Jacob's descendants are the people in the Book of Mormon and on the isles of the sea. Jesus Christ visited those people in the Book of Mormon and the isles of the sea. First, Nephi teaches the words of Isaiah to his people in 1 Nephi 19:23, 2 Nephi 6:4-5, and 2 Nephi chapters 12-24 (with others here and there). This is one way a remnant of the house of Israel received the teachings of Isaiah. These scriptures, I believe, were read by many people, because of the writings of some later prophets in the Small Plates. They said that they know of no other revelation save what has been written. Thus, their contributions were small.
Jesus taught that the people should search the words of Isaiah by commandment, for their worth is great (3 Nephi 23:1). A commandment for them, a branch of the house of Israel to read the words of Isaiah to help fulfill Isaiah's calling. Jesus even quotes to the Nephites Isaiah 54 (in 3 Nephi 22). Finally, in 3 Nephi 16:1, Jesus tell the Nephites that there are other sheep, who are also most likely of the house of Israel, that are not in Jerusalem that he must see and teach.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
1 Nephi 21:3-4
The text for this entry:
"3 And said unto me: Thou art my aservant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
"3 And said unto me: Thou art my aservant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
"4 Then I said, I have labored in avain, I have spent my strength for naught and in vain; surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God."
The Lord is speaking to Isaiah, I believe, and referring to the house of Israel that they are servants of the Lord, and that through them, He will be glorified. I was thinking about who the Lord was speaking to in this chapter and it could even be the house of Israel or Israel himself, previously Jacob (see Leviticus 25:55 and Isaiah 41:8). I am thinking this because of subsequent verses, starting with verse 4. The subject says, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and in vain. Well, I wonder how many of us have done this. Perhaps all of us have. It is interesting, but one does not usually realize they are spending their strength on things that are in vain. However, some are prompted by the Holy Ghost and stop. Some are prompted but do not stop. Some just don't know any better. Everything we do faces judgement of the Lord, and so those who don't start in the first place (by listening to promptings that say you shouldn't start) will be rewarded. If you start and follow the promptings to stop, ignore the promptings and don't stop, or are ignorant there needs to be repentance of that thing. It is better to stop than not to. But I want to finish by saying that these are my current feelings at the moment and the Lord has said (in Isaiah 55:8-9):
The Lord is speaking to Isaiah, I believe, and referring to the house of Israel that they are servants of the Lord, and that through them, He will be glorified. I was thinking about who the Lord was speaking to in this chapter and it could even be the house of Israel or Israel himself, previously Jacob (see Leviticus 25:55 and Isaiah 41:8). I am thinking this because of subsequent verses, starting with verse 4. The subject says, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for naught and in vain. Well, I wonder how many of us have done this. Perhaps all of us have. It is interesting, but one does not usually realize they are spending their strength on things that are in vain. However, some are prompted by the Holy Ghost and stop. Some are prompted but do not stop. Some just don't know any better. Everything we do faces judgement of the Lord, and so those who don't start in the first place (by listening to promptings that say you shouldn't start) will be rewarded. If you start and follow the promptings to stop, ignore the promptings and don't stop, or are ignorant there needs to be repentance of that thing. It is better to stop than not to. But I want to finish by saying that these are my current feelings at the moment and the Lord has said (in Isaiah 55:8-9):
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
1 Nephi 21:2
In verse 2, we read:
"2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;"
I believe that Isaiah is referring to himself in this verse. He spoke some in the end of verse 1 about being called when he was still in his mother's womb. He is now talking about his conversion. The Lord has made his mouth like a sharp sword. I believe that the Lord has inspired Isaiah, so that his words testify of the people's wickedness. In 1 Nephi 16:2, I believe that Nephi has had this experience when he was preaching to his brothers:
"2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken ahard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the bguilty taketh the ctruth to be hard, for it dcutteth them to the very center."
Isaiah continues and says that in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but we can see that if the Lord was hiding Isaiah, then we can think about what was it from. Why did Isaiah use the image of the shadow of the hand of the Lord?
Additionally, Isaiah says that he was made as a polished shaft. Polishing is shining up and making smooth. I think that Isaiah was refined. I believe that he speaks more of this later on.
Finally, Isaiah refers to hiding, but this time in the Lord's quiver, which is in His container of arrows. I think that this means that Isaiah is a tool that the Lord has for accomplishing His designs for good. If I remember right, I believe that there were many wars in the time of Isaiah and he was used by the kings to get advice and receive the will of the Lord. I think that sometimes they followed the Lord's words and sometimes not. Later, when Jesus visited the Nephites, and Nephi himself agreed, He told them that Isaiah's words were most valuable. He told them to search his words. He protects Isaiah and uses him, too.
"2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;"
I believe that Isaiah is referring to himself in this verse. He spoke some in the end of verse 1 about being called when he was still in his mother's womb. He is now talking about his conversion. The Lord has made his mouth like a sharp sword. I believe that the Lord has inspired Isaiah, so that his words testify of the people's wickedness. In 1 Nephi 16:2, I believe that Nephi has had this experience when he was preaching to his brothers:
"2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken ahard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the bguilty taketh the ctruth to be hard, for it dcutteth them to the very center."
Isaiah continues and says that in the shadow of His hand hath He hid me. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but we can see that if the Lord was hiding Isaiah, then we can think about what was it from. Why did Isaiah use the image of the shadow of the hand of the Lord?
Additionally, Isaiah says that he was made as a polished shaft. Polishing is shining up and making smooth. I think that Isaiah was refined. I believe that he speaks more of this later on.
Finally, Isaiah refers to hiding, but this time in the Lord's quiver, which is in His container of arrows. I think that this means that Isaiah is a tool that the Lord has for accomplishing His designs for good. If I remember right, I believe that there were many wars in the time of Isaiah and he was used by the kings to get advice and receive the will of the Lord. I think that sometimes they followed the Lord's words and sometimes not. Later, when Jesus visited the Nephites, and Nephi himself agreed, He told them that Isaiah's words were most valuable. He told them to search his words. He protects Isaiah and uses him, too.
Monday, June 22, 2009
1 Nephi 21:1
We come to another chapter in Isaiah. This time Nephi continues to quote from the same portion of Isaiah's teachings and prophesies. 1 Nephi 20 was a quote from Isaiah 48. Now we come to 1 Nephi 21, which is a quote of Isaiah 49. In this post, we consider verse 1:
"1 aAnd again: Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broken off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O bisles, unto me, and hearken ye people from cfar; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name."
Isaiah is calling attention to the house of Israel again. Because of various reasons, some good, some not so good, I believe that the house of Israel had been scattered at that time. Nephi explains this in the next chapter some. Here is a quote (from the footnote 1b above):
"4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the atribes have been bled away; and they are cscattered to and fro upon the disles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away."
Isaiah calls to them to listen to his words, which are the words of the Lord. Nephi and his family have been led away to another land, the land of the Americas. They (and we) need to listen to his words. Isaiah also mentions that he was called as a prophet when his mother was pregnant with him. Imagine being told that you son will be the prophet one day. It reminds me of when the angel came to declare the plan of Heavenly Father to the earthly parents of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist.
"1 aAnd again: Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broken off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my people; yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O bisles, unto me, and hearken ye people from cfar; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name."
Isaiah is calling attention to the house of Israel again. Because of various reasons, some good, some not so good, I believe that the house of Israel had been scattered at that time. Nephi explains this in the next chapter some. Here is a quote (from the footnote 1b above):
"4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the atribes have been bled away; and they are cscattered to and fro upon the disles of the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know that they have been led away."
Isaiah calls to them to listen to his words, which are the words of the Lord. Nephi and his family have been led away to another land, the land of the Americas. They (and we) need to listen to his words. Isaiah also mentions that he was called as a prophet when his mother was pregnant with him. Imagine being told that you son will be the prophet one day. It reminds me of when the angel came to declare the plan of Heavenly Father to the earthly parents of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist.
Friday, June 19, 2009
1 Nephi 20:21-EoC
Today we finish the chapter considering these last two verses:
"21 And they athirsted not; he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the brock for them; he clave the rock also and the waters gushed out.
"21 And they athirsted not; he led them through the deserts; he caused the waters to flow out of the brock for them; he clave the rock also and the waters gushed out.
22 And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also, there is no apeace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked."
Isaiah is recounting some of the events of the house of Israel during their sojourn of 40 years in the wilderness. It seems that Nephi really takes this story to heart. Isaiah says that as the house of Israel traveled in the wilderness, they did not thirst. They had water provided miraculously for them. Moses took his staff and struck it against rocks and waters came forth. He did this on occasion (see Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11).
The last verse states that even though the Lord did this, and even greater things for them, they were still wicked and did not receive the peace of God with them. The reference to the word peace in this scripture refers the reader, studier, researcher to Romans 3:17, which says,
"17 And the way of apeace have they not known:"
Let us remember what Heavenly Father does for us everyday and what Jesus Christ did for us two thousand years ago so that we can know the peace of God.
Isaiah is recounting some of the events of the house of Israel during their sojourn of 40 years in the wilderness. It seems that Nephi really takes this story to heart. Isaiah says that as the house of Israel traveled in the wilderness, they did not thirst. They had water provided miraculously for them. Moses took his staff and struck it against rocks and waters came forth. He did this on occasion (see Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11).
The last verse states that even though the Lord did this, and even greater things for them, they were still wicked and did not receive the peace of God with them. The reference to the word peace in this scripture refers the reader, studier, researcher to Romans 3:17, which says,
"17 And the way of apeace have they not known:"
Let us remember what Heavenly Father does for us everyday and what Jesus Christ did for us two thousand years ago so that we can know the peace of God.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
1 Nephi 20:20
Here is the text that we will consider for today's post:
"20 aGo ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the bChaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the earth; say ye: The Lord hath redeemed his cservant Jacob."
The verse begins with an instruction from the Lord to go out of Babylon. Again we see that Babylon is a metaphor for the world. He does not want the house of Israel to be a part of it. A great cross-reference to this is found in Doctrine and Covenants 133:5, which simply says,
"5 Go ye out from aBabylon. Be ye bclean that bear the vessels of the Lord."
He next commands them to specifically flee from the Chaldeans. We remember that Chaldea was on the south side of Babylon, in a prime spot for their influence. The reference there suggests that we look at the Topical Guide entry on Israel, Bondage of, in Other Lands.
We can see that Isaiah is directly quoting the Lord because he repeats the Lord's directions to him, too. This is what He tells Isaiah to say to all the earth, that the Lord hath redeemed His servant Jacob. Jacob's name was changed to Israel and we are descendants of him, whether by blood or adoption. What the Lord told Isaiah at that moment is the essential message of the gospel, the good news, that we are redeemed of Him if we repent and follow the commandments. We, too, must tell it to all the world because they do not know or do not fully understand that statement. The Book of Mormon and the New Testament help in that.
"20 aGo ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the bChaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the earth; say ye: The Lord hath redeemed his cservant Jacob."
The verse begins with an instruction from the Lord to go out of Babylon. Again we see that Babylon is a metaphor for the world. He does not want the house of Israel to be a part of it. A great cross-reference to this is found in Doctrine and Covenants 133:5, which simply says,
"5 Go ye out from aBabylon. Be ye bclean that bear the vessels of the Lord."
He next commands them to specifically flee from the Chaldeans. We remember that Chaldea was on the south side of Babylon, in a prime spot for their influence. The reference there suggests that we look at the Topical Guide entry on Israel, Bondage of, in Other Lands.
We can see that Isaiah is directly quoting the Lord because he repeats the Lord's directions to him, too. This is what He tells Isaiah to say to all the earth, that the Lord hath redeemed His servant Jacob. Jacob's name was changed to Israel and we are descendants of him, whether by blood or adoption. What the Lord told Isaiah at that moment is the essential message of the gospel, the good news, that we are redeemed of Him if we repent and follow the commandments. We, too, must tell it to all the world because they do not know or do not fully understand that statement. The Book of Mormon and the New Testament help in that.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
1 Nephi 20:19
We examine the text and possible meanings for verse 19:
"19 Thy aseed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me."
Here we continue with a description of the blessing that the house of Israel would have received had they been faithful at the time Isaiah delivered this sermon. A very significant blessing is described here and with the footnote, we can find the origin of the blessing. It says that they would have also been part of the promise that their posterity would be as the sand of the sea.
This part of the Abrahamic Covenant is found in Genesis 22:17, which says:
"17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy aseed as the stars of the heaven, and as the bsand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the cgate of his enemies;"
I had a thought that was very interesting to me. If Abraham was promised that his posterity would be numberless, and we are partakers of the covenant and adopted into the house of Israel by obtaining the two priesthoods (and I believe baptism and the everlasting covenant of marriage, too), then we shall also have numberless posterity and be bound together in a never ending chain.
In the last part of the verse, I believe Isaiah is saying that the Lord is saying that His name should never have been destroyed, or forgotten, by them from before Him. Let us always remember the Lord and the great things He has done for us and for our fathers.
"19 Thy aseed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me."
Here we continue with a description of the blessing that the house of Israel would have received had they been faithful at the time Isaiah delivered this sermon. A very significant blessing is described here and with the footnote, we can find the origin of the blessing. It says that they would have also been part of the promise that their posterity would be as the sand of the sea.
This part of the Abrahamic Covenant is found in Genesis 22:17, which says:
"17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy aseed as the stars of the heaven, and as the bsand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the cgate of his enemies;"
I had a thought that was very interesting to me. If Abraham was promised that his posterity would be numberless, and we are partakers of the covenant and adopted into the house of Israel by obtaining the two priesthoods (and I believe baptism and the everlasting covenant of marriage, too), then we shall also have numberless posterity and be bound together in a never ending chain.
In the last part of the verse, I believe Isaiah is saying that the Lord is saying that His name should never have been destroyed, or forgotten, by them from before Him. Let us always remember the Lord and the great things He has done for us and for our fathers.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
1 Nephi 20:18
Here is the text to verse 18:
"18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my acommandments—then had thy bpeace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea."
I am thinking that the Lord is talking through Isaiah to the house of Israel. The Lord is lamenting their collective choices in that the majority of them chose not to follow the commandments. He also tells us what would have happened had they followed the commandments. He said that their peace would have been as a river and their righteousness as the waves of the sea. I would say that most rivers are peaceful. They slowly, calmly flow downward toward their final destination. The waves of the sea were compared to their possible righteousness. Waves are always coming back to the shore. We need to follow the commandments in order to have more peace in our lives and be consistently repenting and coming back to the path of righteousness as the waves to the shore.
"18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my acommandments—then had thy bpeace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea."
I am thinking that the Lord is talking through Isaiah to the house of Israel. The Lord is lamenting their collective choices in that the majority of them chose not to follow the commandments. He also tells us what would have happened had they followed the commandments. He said that their peace would have been as a river and their righteousness as the waves of the sea. I would say that most rivers are peaceful. They slowly, calmly flow downward toward their final destination. The waves of the sea were compared to their possible righteousness. Waves are always coming back to the shore. We need to follow the commandments in order to have more peace in our lives and be consistently repenting and coming back to the path of righteousness as the waves to the shore.
Monday, June 15, 2009
1 Nephi 20:17
Here is verse 17:
"17 And thus saith the Lord, thy aRedeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who bleadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it."
I am only guessing here, but I am inclined to believe that Isaiah is again testifying of his call to preach to the house of Israel. He is sent by the Lord God who teaches to profit. The very same one who leads us by the way we should go. Do we follow? If so, why? If not, why not? (These are rhetorical questions.)
"17 And thus saith the Lord, thy aRedeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who bleadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it."
I am only guessing here, but I am inclined to believe that Isaiah is again testifying of his call to preach to the house of Israel. He is sent by the Lord God who teaches to profit. The very same one who leads us by the way we should go. Do we follow? If so, why? If not, why not? (These are rhetorical questions.)
Friday, June 12, 2009
1 Nephi 20:16
Verse 16 reads:
"16 Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in asecret; from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his bSpirit, hath sent me."
Isaiah calls to the people to come near. He testifies that he has not done his preaching in secret. He further testifies that the Lord and the Holy Ghost have sent him. It is important for the people to know that the servant of the Lord to testify that he has come in the name of the Lord. The people can then pray about him as the prophet and the teachings that were given to know for themselves whether he is or not. This is what we invite and exhort all to do.
"16 Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in asecret; from the beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his bSpirit, hath sent me."
Isaiah calls to the people to come near. He testifies that he has not done his preaching in secret. He further testifies that the Lord and the Holy Ghost have sent him. It is important for the people to know that the servant of the Lord to testify that he has come in the name of the Lord. The people can then pray about him as the prophet and the teachings that were given to know for themselves whether he is or not. This is what we invite and exhort all to do.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
1 Nephi 20:15
Here is the text to verse 15:
"15 Also, saith the Lord; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called ahim to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous."
In this verse, I'm not sure who "him" is that the Lord has called. It is possible that it is Isaiah testifying to the people that he is a prophet. It could be others. There are a lot of people that the Lord has called to declare and were brought and made their ways prosperous.
But this is what I wanted to say: the Lord calls men (and women) to testify of Him. He calls men to be prophets and speak for Him to the entire world. (The Lord tells them what to say anyway.) I like the scripture in Amos 3:7, which says:
"7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, abut he brevealeth his csecret unto his servants the dprophets."
This is very important in our times. We need a prophet. We need to heed the prophet. We have a prophet that lives and guides us. What has he said? Here is a link to the latest General Conference that tells us:
http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1032,00.html
The prophet's name is Thomas S. Monson. This is true.
"15 Also, saith the Lord; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have called ahim to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous."
In this verse, I'm not sure who "him" is that the Lord has called. It is possible that it is Isaiah testifying to the people that he is a prophet. It could be others. There are a lot of people that the Lord has called to declare and were brought and made their ways prosperous.
But this is what I wanted to say: the Lord calls men (and women) to testify of Him. He calls men to be prophets and speak for Him to the entire world. (The Lord tells them what to say anyway.) I like the scripture in Amos 3:7, which says:
"7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, abut he brevealeth his csecret unto his servants the dprophets."
This is very important in our times. We need a prophet. We need to heed the prophet. We have a prophet that lives and guides us. What has he said? Here is a link to the latest General Conference that tells us:
http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1032,00.html
The prophet's name is Thomas S. Monson. This is true.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
1 Nephi 20:14
The text to verse 14:
"14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them hath declared these things unto them? The Lord hath loved him; yea, and he will afulfil his word which he hath declared by them; and he will do his pleasure on bBabylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans."
Here, I believe that Isaiah breaks from quoting the word of the Lord and calls again to the house of Israel. He promises that the Lord will fulfill His the promises He made to their fathers long ago. The second part of this verse says that He will do His pleasure on Babylon. His arm shall come upon the Chaldeans. The Bible Dictionary has a couple of good entries on Babylon and Chaldea. I'm not sure if, when this verse was given, that Babylon and Chaldea should be happy about the plans of the Lord or not. I remember that there were times when they were really bad, but perhaps there were times when they weren't. Perhaps the upcoming verses can help us understand more.
"14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them hath declared these things unto them? The Lord hath loved him; yea, and he will afulfil his word which he hath declared by them; and he will do his pleasure on bBabylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans."
Here, I believe that Isaiah breaks from quoting the word of the Lord and calls again to the house of Israel. He promises that the Lord will fulfill His the promises He made to their fathers long ago. The second part of this verse says that He will do His pleasure on Babylon. His arm shall come upon the Chaldeans. The Bible Dictionary has a couple of good entries on Babylon and Chaldea. I'm not sure if, when this verse was given, that Babylon and Chaldea should be happy about the plans of the Lord or not. I remember that there were times when they were really bad, but perhaps there were times when they weren't. Perhaps the upcoming verses can help us understand more.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
1 Nephi 20:12-13
For this entry today, we will think about verses 12 and 13:
"12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am the afirst, and I am also the last.
In verse 12, the Lord is calling to the house of Israel. He is inviting them (and us), just as he did in the New Testament, to listen and follow Him. I believe that this is what is meant by the word "hearken." Then in the rest of 12 and in verse 13, He tells them (and us) who He is. He is the first and the last. He is the first, because He was the firstborn of Heavenly Father. There could be several reasons why He is the last. I believe one is that the last goes with the first and shows that He is an eternal god. He is also the last to have a say in our plea to the Father during the judgment day.
In verse 13, we see that He has created the earth and the heavens. He also has control over them, i.e., when He calls, they stand up together.
I believe that He deemed it necessary to state His works to the house of Israel as a way for them to learn and understand that they are under the watch and care of an all-powerful being. Many times in the future, we will see Him referred to as the Lord of Hosts. He truly is a Lord of hosts of angels at His command. May we remember who the Lord is and hearken to Him as He has invited us to do on so many occasions.
"12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am the afirst, and I am also the last.
In verse 12, the Lord is calling to the house of Israel. He is inviting them (and us), just as he did in the New Testament, to listen and follow Him. I believe that this is what is meant by the word "hearken." Then in the rest of 12 and in verse 13, He tells them (and us) who He is. He is the first and the last. He is the first, because He was the firstborn of Heavenly Father. There could be several reasons why He is the last. I believe one is that the last goes with the first and shows that He is an eternal god. He is also the last to have a say in our plea to the Father during the judgment day.
In verse 13, we see that He has created the earth and the heavens. He also has control over them, i.e., when He calls, they stand up together.
I believe that He deemed it necessary to state His works to the house of Israel as a way for them to learn and understand that they are under the watch and care of an all-powerful being. Many times in the future, we will see Him referred to as the Lord of Hosts. He truly is a Lord of hosts of angels at His command. May we remember who the Lord is and hearken to Him as He has invited us to do on so many occasions.
Monday, June 8, 2009
1 Nephi 20:9-11
For today's entry, we will look at these three verses:
"9 Nevertheless, for my aname’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off.
"9 Nevertheless, for my aname’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off.
"10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of aaffliction.
"11 For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do this, for I will not suffer my aname to be polluted, and I will bnot give my glory unto another."
In verse 9, I believe that Isaiah is preaching to the people and quoting what the Lord had said to him. He says that for His name's sake will he defer his anger and not cut off the house of Israel from His influence. I looked up the word sake in order to know more about what the Lord might have meant by His name's sake. It said, "for the purpose of; in the interest of; in order to achieve or preserve." Another possible take could be, "out of consideration for or in order to help someone." After thinking more on it, I believe that the Lord is using sake for preservation. In order to preserve His name as one who is good and merciful, he doesn't cut them off. However, God is a god of justice and I don't know how long He will wait until he cuts them off.
In verse 10, we see that the Lord has worked hard with the house of Israel and has done so for a long time. He mentions that He has refined them. He mentions that He has chosen them out of the furnace of affliction. They were saved from bondage during the time of Moses. I think this is what He was referring to. This is what the footnote points to. That was a huge thing that the Lord did for them. I believe that He was merciful to them and answered their prayers to be delivered. But what did they do since? Well, when they were at Sinai, they made a golden calf and worshiped it. They wandered for 40 years until they received their promised land. I'm sure that there were good people among them, too. It seems now, that in the times of Isaiah, the Lord is calling them to repentance again.
In verse 11, we see that the Lord will not suffer His name to be polluted, nor will He give His glory to another. I believe that these things have been and are eternally so. Those who have their agency and choose to pollute the name of the Lord will receive the consequences. Let's apply this to our lives and love the Lord our God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.
In verse 9, I believe that Isaiah is preaching to the people and quoting what the Lord had said to him. He says that for His name's sake will he defer his anger and not cut off the house of Israel from His influence. I looked up the word sake in order to know more about what the Lord might have meant by His name's sake. It said, "for the purpose of; in the interest of; in order to achieve or preserve." Another possible take could be, "out of consideration for or in order to help someone." After thinking more on it, I believe that the Lord is using sake for preservation. In order to preserve His name as one who is good and merciful, he doesn't cut them off. However, God is a god of justice and I don't know how long He will wait until he cuts them off.
In verse 10, we see that the Lord has worked hard with the house of Israel and has done so for a long time. He mentions that He has refined them. He mentions that He has chosen them out of the furnace of affliction. They were saved from bondage during the time of Moses. I think this is what He was referring to. This is what the footnote points to. That was a huge thing that the Lord did for them. I believe that He was merciful to them and answered their prayers to be delivered. But what did they do since? Well, when they were at Sinai, they made a golden calf and worshiped it. They wandered for 40 years until they received their promised land. I'm sure that there were good people among them, too. It seems now, that in the times of Isaiah, the Lord is calling them to repentance again.
In verse 11, we see that the Lord will not suffer His name to be polluted, nor will He give His glory to another. I believe that these things have been and are eternally so. Those who have their agency and choose to pollute the name of the Lord will receive the consequences. Let's apply this to our lives and love the Lord our God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.
Friday, June 5, 2009
1 Nephi 20:7-8
Here is what we have in verse 7 and 8, which we will consider today:
"7 They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them.
"7 They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say—Behold I knew them.
"8 Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a atransgressor from the womb."
In verse 7, we can see that it seems that there were things declared to the house of Israel before they fully understood what they were hearing. The Lord says that He did this lest they should say, "Behold, I knew them." This last phrase and the first phrase are still mysteries to me.
In verse 8, we see that they did not heed or hear the declarations of the Lord. He says that He knew that they would not heed or hear, and deal with things very treacherously. Even from when they were born, they were transgressors, which I believe means that they did not heed the teachings of the Lord.
At some point, we hope that they can repent and listen to the teachings of Isaiah. We shall see what happens.
In verse 7, we can see that it seems that there were things declared to the house of Israel before they fully understood what they were hearing. The Lord says that He did this lest they should say, "Behold, I knew them." This last phrase and the first phrase are still mysteries to me.
In verse 8, we see that they did not heed or hear the declarations of the Lord. He says that He knew that they would not heed or hear, and deal with things very treacherously. Even from when they were born, they were transgressors, which I believe means that they did not heed the teachings of the Lord.
At some point, we hope that they can repent and listen to the teachings of Isaiah. We shall see what happens.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
1 Nephi 20:5-6
In verse 5, we find that Isaiah is speaking of God and of the house of Israel. From the footnote, 5a, I believe that Isaiah is saying that God is all-knowing and can tell that you, house of Israel, are worshiping idols. In the next verse, I believe the Lord is saying to the house of Israel that He has shown them new things, perhaps even some of His mysteries and they have not proclaimed them. The footnote, 6a, refers to 1 Corinthians 9:16, where Paul is saying that woe is unto him if he doesn't preach the gospel! So, as an application to our day, we can see that there is a great necessity to not worship idols, which can even be material things and sports (moderation is okay, but make sure it is just that and not more), and preach the gospel. Make sure you pray for missionary experience and open your mouth when you are prompted to share the gospel. I need to work on these things as much as anyone else, but I feel that it is important to keep it in the front of our minds.
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